GoFundMe for toddler killed in Oakland freeway shooting at $144K and counting

An online campaign benefitting Jasper Wu's family is off to a strong start.
An online campaign benefitting Jasper Wu's family is off to a strong start. Photo credit GoFundMe

A GoFundMe benefitting the family of a toddler tragically killed in crossfire on an Oakland freeway is quickly gaining steam.

As of Tuesday night, the online campaign hosted by the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce had raised over $144,000 in just shy of 24 hours.

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Jasper Wu, just 23 months old, was killed last weekend when a stray bullet hit him in the head while he was asleep in his car seat. The incident happened at about 2:10 p.m. Saturday as the family's Lexus Sedan was driving southbound on I-880 in Oakland.

His mom and several relatives, including other children, were in the vehicle at the time. Wu was rushed to Oakland Children's Hospital where he later died.

The boy's father is traveling to the Bay Area from China to plan his son's funeral.

He never was able to meet his son because of COVID-19 restrictions.

According to the GoFundMe, 100% of the net proceeds will help the family "defray unexpected expenses" related to their son's death. The family had initially asked the public not to donate to several unauthorized GoFundMe campaigns started in their son's name.

Jasper Wu was shot and killed by a stray bullet in broad daylight on Saturday.
Jasper Wu was shot and killed by a stray bullet in broad daylight on Saturday. Photo credit KPIX

Meanwhile, authorities continue to pursue leads but aren't releasing many details on possible suspects. A California Highway Patrol spokesperson on Monday asked for the public's assistance in identifying anyone connected to the shooting, but refused to elaborate on vehicles or suspects thought to be involved.

He added that investigators are aware of 76 freeway shootings in Oakland over the last 12 months, many of which occurred on I-880 and I-580.

Featured Image Photo Credit: GoFundMe